Most Car Drivers Understand the need to pass a horse 'wide and slow'. Unfortunately, for some motorists, the message doesn it seems to have got through.
Statistics from the British Horse Society Reveal 58 Horses Died and 97 Were Injured on Uk Roads in 2024. Some 3,118 incidents Were Reported to the Equine Charity Over the 12-Month Period, with 81 Percent Dew To Vehicles Passing Too Closely.
The deaths and injuries come despite new highway code guidance for equestrians, introduced in 2022. These states that Vehicles Must Pass Horses at no more than 10mph, and at a minimum distance of two metres.
The British Horse Society Outlines Four Simple steps to take when passing a horse on the road:
- Slow down to a maximum of 10mph
- Be Patient – Do Not Sound Your Horn or Rev Your Engine
- Pass the horse wide and slow, allowing at a car's width bet, your vehicle and the horse if the potential.
- Drive slowly onwards
'Expect the unexpected'
Road Safety Charity iam Roadsmart has also issued Advice on how to pass a horse safely on the road. It says drivers should expect the unexpected, and give the horse and rider plenty of room.
Jaimi MCILRAVEY, A Horse Rider and Digital Content Executive at Iam Roadsmart, Said: “Please continue to be careful when driving to horses. Will speak a horse.
“You may be driving Safely with Enough gap betwean yourself and a horse and rider. However, something else may scare them, so be sure to stay Alert.”
How to overtake a horse sefely
Here are some easy-to-follow tips for passing a horse or group of riders on the road:
- Slow down and Hold Back. The rider will indicate whether it is safe to apply and overtake. If they do not, stay at last three car-lengths boyind and be careful to not even this space. Be prepared to slow down Further or Stop – Any Sudden Movements or Loud noises could be upset the proce
- Take Extra Care on Rural Roads – A Horse Could Be Around the Next Corner
- Allow at Leaast a Car's Width when passing a horse and stick to a 10mph maximum, as stated in the highway code
- On a narrow lane, where there is a horse, the rider may decide to trot to the nairest gateway or grass verge. Do not accelerate to match the trot – Stay Back
- If you see Two Riders Side by Side, It Might Be For Safety Reasons. Give them some consideration
- Keep an Eye out for signals from the horse rider
- Accelerate gently when passing the horse and when moving away
If you are apploaching a horse from the other side of the road, slow down and consider the use of hazard warning lights to alert any drivers.
Above all, be patent and respectful. Saving a Few seconds Off your journal could endanger the life of a horse and its rider.
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